Aret Sahakyan is a Turkish chef of Armenian descent, known for revolutionizing the culinary scene in Bodrum, Turkey. With a career spanning more than four decades, he is currently the Executive Chef of the luxury hotel Maçakızı, where his cuisine has been awarded a Michelin star (2025), the first in the Bodrum region.
Born in Istanbul in a family of Armenian descent, Aret Sahakyan developed a passion for cooking from a young age, influenced by a family environment where food was central to traditions. After completing high school in 1977, he moved to the United States to attend college. During this time, he began working in the restaurant industry, working with renowned chefs such as Jean-Louis Palladin and Francesco Ricchi, from whom he learned the basics of French and Italian cuisine.
In the 1990s, Sahakyan returned to Turkey and began a partnership with Sahir Erozan, owner of the Maçakızı Hotel in Bodrum. Together, they transformed the hotel into a luxury destination known for its bohemian atmosphere and fine cuisine. Under Sahakyan's leadership, the hotel's restaurant has expertly combined Mediterranean and Italian influences with local ingredients, elevating the region's culinary scene.
In 2023, Maçakızı Restaurant was awarded a Michelin star, an accolade that enshrined Sahakyan's commitment and dedication to the culinary industry. In addition to his role within the hotel, he has played a key role in training young Turkish chefs, contributing to the development of contemporary cuisine in the country.
Sahakyan's culinary philosophy is based on using fresh and local ingredients combined with techniques learned during his international training. This approach has led to the creation of unique dishes that reflect both Turkish tradition and Mediterranean influences, making Maçakızı Restaurant a popular destination for lovers of fine cuisine.
